Simulated Necktie Knot Device

ABSTRACT

A simulated necktie knot device is provided that secures two portions of a necktie together and provides an outward appearance of a necktie knot. The device comprises a frustoconical construction with an upper end, a lower end, and tapering sides. Along the upper end of the device is an upwardly extending securement flap configured to extend over the upper portion of the device and attach along the backside portion thereof via a fastener. The flap provides a means to pinch the portions of the necktie together within the device interior and reduce the upper end open area, thereby preventing sliding of the device therealong. The flap further simulates a portion of the necktie within along the upper portion of the knot. The material of the knot device is one that can be configured to mimic the necktie material or contrast therewith, depending on the style of the wearer.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/830,394 filed on Jun. 3, 2013. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to neckwear garments and more particularly to neckties. More specifically, the present invention relates to a pre-formed necktie knot that accepts therethrough an elongated necktie and secures the same in a manner similar to a bolo tie, wherein the device outwardly mimics a knot in the necktie.

Tying the perfect necktie knot can be difficult for beginners and for those with physical disabilities. Tying a desired knot can also be difficult for those not practiced in the art and who normally do not wear neckties with great frequency. In any situation, tying a necktie requires time to perform, and generally requires at least one attempt before a successful knot is tied. Successful knots include those that allow the necktie to hang a sufficient length along the wearer's shirt and allow the user to adequately tighten the necktie around the wearer's collar. However, most importantly, successful knots will have the desired outward appearance desired by the wearer.

There are several necktie knots deployed in the art that are used to provide different knot shapes and outward appearances. These vary in complexity to create and vary significantly in design. For those with physical disabilities and those without practice, the art of tying a necktie knot is not a desired task. For those wearers, an alternative is required that facilitates the appearance of a necktie knot but without the hassle or time required to tie the knot.

The present invention relates to a necktie securing device that is formed into the shape of a knot and is comprised of a material that is meant to mimic the outward appearance of a necktie knot. The device comprises a rounded, hollow interior with a specific outer appearance. The hollow interior accepts therethrough the ends of the necktie, thereby forming a closed loop to encircle the collar of the wearer. The loose ends of the necktie dangle, while the knot device is slid upward. Once the final position is achieved, a securement flap is utilized to secure over and between the necktie, wherein the flap folds over the upper portion of the knot and secures along the backside thereof via a fastener that secures its distal end. This locks the necktie into place, preventing sliding thereof, and provides the outer appearance of a tied knot along the necktie length.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to necktie knot devices. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications, and generally relate to sleeves that eliminate the need to knot the tie or covers thereover. The following is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art.

One such device in the prior art is U.S. Pat. No. 3,526,004 to Brandenberger, which discloses a removable knot for a necktie that comprises a tapered and hollow member adapted to slide over the loose ends of a necktie and over the length thereof. The device includes a longitudinal split therethrough, while its material comprises an elastic material that is adapted to secure the portions of the necktie together within the hollow interior and retain the position of the device therealong. Further provided are means for securing and uncoupling the tapered device, wherein the ends thereof include attachment means to form the shape of the necktie knot or open the device such that it can lie flat. The Brandenberger describes a device that provides a faux necktie knot and one that secures two portions of a necktie together, however no means of securing the necktie portions within the interior of the device is provided. The present invention includes an upward flap that folds over the top of the device and between the necktie portions to lock the same therein, while also preserving the look of a tie knot along the top of the device.

Another device is U.S. Pat. No. 4,977,624 to Safford discloses a tie knot that eliminates the need for a user to tie a knot in a necktie, wherein the device comprises a portion of material adapted to form around two sections of the necktie and secure together therearound. The device includes an arcuate body portion and two ends that include fasteners for securing the ends together. The body portion forms the outward appearance of a knot, while the fastener secures the ends of the device along the backside thereof. The Safford device, similar to the Brandenberger device, fails to contemplate a vertical flap that secures between the two portions of the necktie, which is used by the present invention to secure the knot in place and improve the aesthetics of the faux knot such that it appears to be an actual necktie knot along the wearer's collar.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,953,755 to Barylski discloses a necktie holder that includes a one-piece sleeve and a retainer element. The sleeve comprises a frustoconical shape with a tapering diameter, wherein the sleeve is adapted to secure two portions of a necktie together within its open interior. The ends of the sleeve are secured by a retainer element that spans the height of the sleeve and clamps the ends thereof. The retainer includes an H-shaped cross section and retains the shape of the sleeve in the form of a necktie knot. The present invention, by contrast, provides a necktie knot body portion that is permanently secured at its ends to form a tapering cross section and an open interior. Further provided is an upward flap that secures over the necktie portions within the knot interior. The Barylski fails to contemplate the structure of the means of securing the knot as provided by the present invention.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,691,319 to Simon discloses a simulated necktie that includes a funnel shaped cup member having ends that are zip fastened together. An internal cone is positioned within the cup member to fill the space therein and provide an outward appearance of a knot in the necktie material. An elongated strap is further provided that is adapted to extend around the wearer's neck and underneath a collar. The strap secures the position of the cup member such that it does not slide while in use. The present invention includes a vertical flap member for securing the necktie knot in place. The use of a strap by the Simon device is bulky and adds material underneath the collar of the wearer, which is neither required nor desired by the structure of the present invention.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,035,002 to Knight, Jr. discloses a necktie accessory that forms a cover therearound and is pinned into place. The device compresses a necktie or scarf material within its interior and an aperture through the rear of the device accepts therethrough a pin or tack to secure the material in place. The interior surface of the device further includes a texture to prevent sliding while deployed. Similar to the aforementioned devices, the Knight, Jr. device fails to contemplate or apprehend the structure of the present invention. The present invention includes a necktie knot material in a closed loop, wherein an upper flap secures a necktie secured therein.

Finally, several designs exist in the art for necktie knot covers and slide devices. One example includes U.S. Design Pat. No. D420,201 to Azhar. These devices are largely ornamental and form a cover over an existing necktie knot. These covers provide decoration but most fail to completely replace the knot formed by the user. The present invention is contemplated as a knot replacement, wherein a necktie can simply be slid through the device and the upper flap can secure the assembly around the collar of a wearer.

In light of the foregoing, it is submitted that the present invention is substantially divergent in design elements from the prior art, and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing necktie simulation devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of necktie covers and replacement devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new necktie knot simulation device that can be utilized for providing a means of securing a necktie to a wearer without physically tying a knot in the necktie and sliding a device thereover that simulates the appearance and functionality of a necktie knot.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved necktie simulation device that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a necktie knot simulation device that eliminates the need for a wearer to tie a knot in a necktie, wherein the device replaces the knot and provides the outer appearance of a necktie knot.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a necktie knot simulation device that firmly secures to the necktie and resists sliding therealong once applied and secured.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a necktie knot simulation device that is comprised of a necktie material, which can be adorned or patterned as desired by the wearer.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a necktie knot simulation device that utilizes a hinged flap along the upper end thereof to secure a portion of a necktie within the interior of the device while donned.

A final object of the present invention is to provide a necktie knot simulation device that may be readily fabricated from materials that permit relative economy and are commensurate with durability.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a frontal view of the necktie knot simulation device of the present invention with its upper flap in a vertical position.

FIG. 2 shows a rear view of the necktie knot simulation device of the present invention with its upper flap in a vertical position.

FIG. 3 shows a view of the device being applied to a necktie.

FIG. 4 shows another view of the device being applied to a necktie.

FIG. 5 shows a view of the device in a working state, applied and secured to a necktie of a wearer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the necktie knot simulation device. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for simulating a necktie knot and eliminating the need for a wearer to tie a necktie when donning the same. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, front and rear views of the necktie knot simulation device 11 of the present invention are shown. The device 11 comprises a length of material having a first and second 20 that are joined along a line of connection along the backside 16 of the device. The material comprises a body portion shaped in the form of a frustoconical member with a hollow interior 14. The sides 18 of the device taper from the upper end 10 to the lower end 17, wherein the upper end 10 comprises a larger diameter than the lower end 17. The interior 14 of the device is hollow and adapted to accept therethrough a necktie doubled back on itself to form a closed loop above the device and two loose ends below the device.

The material of the device is one that can be chosen to suit the particular style of the wearer, wherein the user may wish to have a material similar to the necktie being worn, or alternatively the material may take on other forms. One skilled in the art of neckwear apparel would readily recognize the suitable material that can be deployed in the configuration shown and for the purposes described herein. The frontside 13 of the device is outwardly visible and therefore may have a specific surface texture, color or pattern that suits the overall outfit or the style of the wearer. In use the device takes the place of a necktie knot, therefore the wearer may wish to conceal this fact, or embellish this fact by providing a bold or contrasting style knot simulation device 11. The material may comprise one of a necktie material or an elastic material, or any other material contemplated by one skilled in the art of necktie apparel or apparel in general.

Extending upwards from the front side 13 portion of the device 11 is a securement flap 15. The flap 15 is adapted to extend from the frontside 13 and over the backside 16 of the device and secure between two necktie portions disposed within the interior of the device 11. The flap is sewn or otherwise secured to the interior surface of frontside 13 of the device, or alternatively is attached along the upper end 10 thereof. The flap 15 separates the two necktie portions that form a closed loop extending around the collar of a wearer, and further clamps the portions between the backside 16 and frontside 13 of the knot device 11. This prevents the device 11 from sliding once the flap 15 is secured.

The flap 15 is secured using one or several contemplated fasteners 25, wherein the end of the flap 15 is secured along the backside 16 of the device until manually separated. The primary embodiment of the fastener 25 is a patch of hook and look fasteners, which operably secure the flap 15 in place. Alternatively a button or snap connection may be deployed.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, there is shown a frontal view of the necktie knot device positioned in connection with a necktie just prior to being secured thereto via the securement flap 15. To attach the device, the two ends of the necktie 30 are fed through the interior of the device 11 and through its upper end 10. The loose ends of the necktie 30 are positioned below the lower end 17 of the device 11, while the upper end of the necktie forms a closed loop 31 above the upper end 10 of the device 11. The user can create this loop 31 and then position the loop around his collar 40, or alternatively the user can slide the knot device 11 over the loose ends of the tie 30 after the tie has been positioned on the nape of the wearer's neck.

Once slid over the necktie, the knot device 11 is raised upwards to reduce the closed loop 31 around the collar 40 of the wearer. The user can pinch the sides 18 of the knot device 11 and slide it upwards into a desired position. Once located, the user folds the securement flap 15 into the closed loop 31 and over the two portions of the necktie being received through the upper end 10 of the device 11. This reduces the open area along the upper portion 10 of the device 11 and secures the device 11 in position. The backside fastener secures the flap 15, wherein the friction between the flap 15, the sides 18 of the knot device, and the necktie 30 prevent relative sliding once positioned.

Referring finally to FIG. 5, there is shown a view of the necktie knot device of the present invention in a working state. In this position, the necktie 30 is pinched by the knot device in a similar manner as a necktie knot, wherein two segments of the necktie 30 are pressed against one another to maintain a constant closed loop 31 around the wearer's neck. The device of the present invention includes a tapering cross section from its upper end 10 to its lower end 17, wherein the sides 18 form a frustoconical shape with a smaller diameter lower end 17 that its upper end 10. The necktie is positioned within the hollow interior thereof while the securement flap 15 is positioned therebetween and over the upper end 10 of the knot device. This configuration locks the position of the device along the necktie length and prevents ready sliding thereof.

The flap 15 further provides an additional portion of material that is present along the upper end 10 that simulates an actual necktie knot. Generally a portion of the necktie will be positioned where the flap 15 is positioned, wherein the necktie would otherwise wrap around itself, fold over and through the closed loop 31, and thereafter be fed through the front portion of the knot. The faux knot of the present invention eliminates this process but provides a very realistic appearance of the tied knot. The upper flap 15 is both function (securement) and ornamental (improving appearance of the knot).

It can be highly difficult for some to tie long neckties into a perfect knot. This can be especially problematic for people with physical limitations, children, teenagers, and those with frequent stiffness and soreness in their arms or hands. Some individuals need assistance when tying a neck tie and this can be frustrating and inconvenient. Still others require an extended amount of time to accomplish a proper tie knot. This causes some to forego wearing a tie. However, this can look unprofessional and informal on certain occasions. The present invention describes an article of neckwear that forms a simulated necktie knot in place of an actual knot. The device preferably comprises a section of necktie material that is configured to resemble a tie knot from an outward appearance, while functionally securing two portions of a necktie together to form a closed loop with secure connection to the necktie. This improves efficiency of preparing a necktie and provides a means for those with limited practice or ability to wear a necktie when the occasion calls for it.

It is submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

I claim: 1) A simulated necktie knot device, comprising: a body portion having a frustoconical shape, an upper end, a lower end, and tapering sides; said upper end having a larger diameter than said lower end; said body portion having a hollow interior, said upper end being open and said lower end being open; said body portion having a frontside potion and a backside portion; said hollow interior adapted to receive two portions of a necktie therethrough; an upwardly extending securement flap attached along said frontside portion; said securement flap further comprise an elongated length adapted to extend over said upper end; said securement flap having a fastener therealong; said backside portion further comprising a fastener therealong adapted to mate with the fastener of said securement flap. 2) The device of claim 1, wherein said body portion is comprised of a necktie material. 3) The device of claim 1, wherein said body portion is comprised of an elastic material. 3) The device of claim 1, wherein said body portion is comprised of a first and second end attached to one another along said backside. 